"I have been working with an 'unrideable' five-year-old ex-racehorse for the past four months. I understand that when she left racing she was a bit green and nappy and was beaten up by a previous rider who tried to "teach her a lesson". She is now going sweetly and has started jumping nicely, showing a lot of scope. However, if anyone else gets on, she either refuses to leave my side or (if I disappear) she roots herself to the spot and when pressed reverts to her old behaviour of running backwards or rearing and spinning. She is perfectly happy with strangers on the ground and can be caught and handled by anyone. I know this means she doesn't have enough confidence in anyone new riding her, but how can I convince her people are nice and avoid any new rider having to spend months building up her trust in them? Thanks." Branwen Sloper.

H&C blogger and three day event rider Sharon Hunt replies: "Well, I have a horse quite similar and really haven't found a way around this as I choose to ride her myself for the same reason - it would take too long to win her around again. I think the only thing you can do is have a rider of the same standard on her and maybe just hacks her out to build up a bond, with no pressure, etc. If she is happy with this then to start schooling but never pressure her and give lots of pats. She needs to trust the new rider and any way to build up a partnership with the new person is good, whether thats just grooming her or lunging. It does seem to me though that some horses really are one person animals and there is no getting around this. Hope that helps! Sharon."